Bergit Joan Goodman

About Bergit

Bergit Joan Goodman, 88, passed away peacefully in her home surrounded by family on Monday, February 12, 2024.

Bergit Joan (Nelson) Goodman was born October 21, 1935 in Bemidji, MN, to Emma (Froirak) and John Nelson. She was the oldest girl with 3 younger brothers, twins Edward and Norman, and youngest brother, David. She lived on the family farm in Bemidji and attended Cloverleaf Country School, a one room schoolhouse. Later she attended Bemidji High School, graduating in 1954.

Following graduation, she worked at a creamery and made ice cream. Later, she attended the Lutheran Bible Institute in Minneapolis, graduating in 1957, with a major in Christian Education and an emphasis on Parish Work. That same summer she traveled through four states with the women’s Treble Quartet, singing in concerts. Later she served as Parish Worker, youth director, and secretary at Christ Lutheran Church in Cottonwood, MN. This included directing the Jr. Choir, and helping with several Bible Camps. One of her main responsibilities was teaching release time Bible classes to 100 children in grades 1-6.

During this time, she became a student at Augsburg College and was thrilled to become a soloist in the Augsburg choir. Later, she attended the Bethany School of Missions in Minneapolis, beginning in 1962, and graduating in 1965. She made close friends in these places, and kept many of them lifelong.

After dating for three years, she married William Goodman on August 28, 1965, in Bloomington, MN. During the time her husband was in school, she worked at the Art Dept. at Louis F. Down Co., designing business forms and calendar imprints. Together, they were married for 59 years and had two children, JoyAnn and Joel. In 1973, she recorded an album titled, “Sing Praise.” She was involved in several churches over the years, playing piano and singing, as well as serving in women’s and children’s ministries.

She worked for 28 years as a Chiropractic Assistant for her brother, David, at the Chiropractic Professionals office in Bemidji, MN. She loved her work and had a passion for helping people. During her life she traveled to several countries with her husband, William, including several missionary trips. They traveled to Alaska, Brazil (AFLC Missions), Canada, Denmark, Finland, Italy (Operation Mobilization), Israel, Jordan, Norway, Russia (Revival Fires Missions), South Korea, and Sweden. She enjoyed gardening, traveling, and spending time with her children and grandchildren.

Her greatest joys were singing for the Lord, and spending time with her family. She will be deeply missed by her husband, children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and many friends and loved ones.

Bergit is survived by her husband, Pastor William Goodman, of Bemidji, MN, daughter JoyAnn (Steve) Dahl, of Plummer, MN and son Joel (Nana) Goodman, of Lino Lakes, MN.

Grandchildren Benjamin (Debora) Dahl, Emalynn (Jeremy) Nikunen, Marquelle (Joshua) Edlund, Cristian (Madilyn) Dahl, Marcus and Mia Goodman.

Great grandchildren David Dahl, Kerby Edlund, Baby Edlund, and Asher Dahl.

Bergit is also survived by her brothers Edward Nelson, and David Nelson, sister in law, Rita Nelson, of Bemidji, MN, brother in law Paul Goodman, Gladstone, Michigan, and sister in law Patricia O’Donnell, of Rapid River, Michigan, as well as many beloved nieces and nephews.

Bergit went to be with Jesus on Monday, February 12, 2024, in the comfort of her home with her family. She will be laid to rest at Aardahl Lutheran Cemetery, Bemidji, MN.

She was preceded in death by her parents, brother Norman Nelson, sister in law Kari Nelson, brother in law Wayne Goodman, sister in law Mary Lee Stokosa, nephew Mike Goodman, several aunts, uncles, and grandparents.

The family wishes to express gratitude to Bergit’s many caregivers over the years for the love and wonderful care they gave to her. Thank you to Hospice for the gentle compassion and concern they gave to make her life more comfortable at home.

memorial service

Funeral Services for Bergit

March 9, 2024

Bethany Free Lutheran Church Bemidji, MN 56601, USA

Visitation will be one hour prior to the service. Interment will be at the Aardahl Lutheran Church Cemetery. This is the link for the live stream of the Funeral: http://tiny.cc/rjouwz.

Funeral/Cremation Provider: Cease Family Funeral Home